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Universal Credit

From the 14 February 2018, Blackburn with Darwen became a full service Universal Credit area. This means that the way you apply for help towards yourrent has changed.

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people in or out of work, which merges together some of the benefits and tax credits that you might be getting now.

Universal Credit is a new working-age benefit being introduced across the country as part of the government’s welfare reforms. You may be able to claim Universal Credit instead of certain benefits if you’re on a low income or out of work.

Universal Credit replaces:

Housing Benefit

Jobseekers Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Income Support

Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit.

Universal Credit is paid differently to current benefits. You will get a single payment for your household and it will be paid once a month into your bank or building society account.

If your Universal Credit payment includes help towards your rent, you will need to pay this to your landlord. Find out more.

Are you or your partner of pension age?

From the 15 May 2019, the rules have changed for new claims made in which one member of the couple has reached pension age and the other member is of working age. This change may mean that you have to claim Universal Credit housing costs instead of Housing Benefit. Find out more.

Do you receive the Severe Disability Premium?

Are you currently living in one of the following types of accommodation?

​accommodation that provides you with care support and supervision as part of your tenancy agreement such as a registered charity, not for profit organisation, housing association or county council property as determined by the local authority